| |
It was, when I was commanding First Battalion of The Eighth Gorkha Rifles (1/8 GR), that I came across an album of photographs. On its` perusal, I realized that the album contained some splendid photographs pertaining to "Younghusbands` Expedition to Tibet". These photographs had been taken by an officer of the Battalion and related to various stages of the expedition. The album and its` contents were so fascinating, that it spurred me on to undertake a study of "The Tibet Mission". In doing so, I had the opportunity to go through the "War Diaries" of the Battalion of that period, apart from studying other published material on the subject.
The Expedition to Tibet, was the first of its` kind to be undertaken in modern times. Tibet, or "The Forbidden Land", as it has been known for many centuries, has been shrouded in mystery. Many who ventured were either lost to history or did not reach their destination or were not allowed to proceed to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Those who did, have not left too much detail to consult. Very little was known of this Buddhist Kingdom and few authentic details were available. From this point of view alone, the foray into this country by a British Expedition assumes significance. This apart, the venture has set to rest many myths about this kingdom.
The expedition gave rise to many controversies. Some of these in my view were attributable to the lack of knowledge and information about this country. During the course of this expedition to Tibet there were many interpersonal and interdepartmental matters that arose and assumed significance in the progress and task assigned to this mission. Whereas many writers have penned these down such as the rift between Younghusband and General Macdonald or Lord Curzon and Lord Kitchener not seeing eye to eye on many matters, my focus has been on the physical movement and important battles that had to be fought before the mission could achieve its aims at Lhasa. I have deliberately not dwelt on these aspects because I thought they may be out of place in this narrative.
While a number of books have been written about the expedition, the official records held at "The National Archives of India", have been a great source of clarification on many issues. The book has been so structured that reference to these where deemed important has been included in passing.
Finally, the expedition became necessary because of the lack of harmony in the administration of Tibet under H H the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. His response to Lord Curzon`s missives were perhaps an invitation to the British to march into Lhasa.
His stance, that ancient covenants forbade him from interacting with foreigners, especially, since he was in touch with the Russians through one of his emissaries, does point a finger at the conduct of affairs of the state.
In this book I have expressed some views which may be the cause of hurt to some. I would like to iterate that this is not my intent and I respect the actions taken then. These are my views and cannot take the place of actions that were based on judgment made on the spot!
|
| |
|